A dual degree program, sometimes called a combined degree, conjoint degree or simultaneous degree program, involves a student’s working for two different university degrees in parallel, either at the same institution or at different institutions. These degrees are completed in less time than it would take to earn them separately. The two degrees might be in the same subject area or in two entirely different subject areas. Dual degrees are not the same as a double major or earning of a single degree by multiple institutions. Usually, the number of hours and required courses are more in a dual-degree program than a double major. In the US, a dual degree program usually consists of a formal agreement within one university or college or between separate universities or colleges. Students generally spend 2–3 years in each degree program. After completing all of the requirements for both programs (usually in four to five years) the student is awarded two degrees. in one of the following combinations:
- Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree
- Dual Bachelor’s Degree programs – two Bachelor’s degrees
- Dual Bachelor’s Master’s Degree programs – a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree
- Dual Graduate Degree programs – a combination of two graduate or doctoral degrees some examples include: D.O., M.A., M.D., M.S., J.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., or Ph.D.
Dual degrees can be from the same school, or from two different colleges or universities that entered a dual degree agreement; and in the same major, or in different majors. Students enter a dual degree program to accelerate their education or to enrich their professional portfolio by adding a new major.
Why Would I Choose to Pursue a Dual Masters Degrees?
- Saving Time: Most dual programs can save students up to three years from degrees earned separately.
- Saving Money: The dual degree saves student by eliminating years of tuition
- A dual degree offers short and long-term career flexibility
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What is a Concurrent Bachelor’s/Master’s Program?
In today’s employment environment, to be successful, many careers are requiring more than a Bachelor’s Degree in order to be successful. In order to achieve success and any level of responsibility, a graduate degree is required for success in future careers. There are many universities and colleges that offer the opportunity to combine two degrees into one in order to accelerate their program. These programs typically combine a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree so you can earn both degrees together and to be accepted into a Master’s program while still earning a Bachelor’s degree. Some examples of concurrent degrees are:
- Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health
- Bachelor of Science in Business Technology Management and Master of Science
In Information Technology Management
Why Would I Choose to Pursue a Concurrent Bachelor’s and Master’s?
The cost of earning a Master’s Degree after a Bachelor’s Degree is time consuming and can be expensive. This provides an excellent opportunity for those who know they need or want to pursue not only their Bachelors degree but also their Master’s Degree. The combined degree program allows undergraduates to begin taking specific graduate coursework before they finish their undergraduate degree. The graduate coursework then counts towards both the bachelor’s and the master’s degree, saving the student time and money. Students will earn both degrees simultaneously but in a shorter time span.